There are two car-buying options: new or used. As the cost of a new car continues to rise, many car buyers are opting for high-quality used cars. Car manufacturers are fighting back with incentives including low interest payment plans, rebates and other means of attracting new car buyers. The choice typically comes down to:
Why you are buying the car: Often, a family buys second or third car, perhaps one for wife or husband and one for son or daughter, it could be a used car.
How much you can afford: Used cars cost less than new cars (even with rebates). There are greater risks involved, however.
Whether a car is a status symbol: For some people a car is a sign of stature, while for others it is simply a means of getting around.
Typically, if someone can put some money down on a new car without dipping into his/her investments or putting a dent in his/her budget and can pay off the car in three or four years with monthly payments, then a new car is a possibility. Of course, a car owner has to consider the insurance payments and the regular costs of maintaining a car.
An advantage of a new car is that you will be under warranty for a period of time. Before buying, you want to shop around for a lender and watch for the best deals. Often there are better deals offered on new cars as the fall approaches and the following years new models role in.
Also, keep your eye on used fleet cars, which can be a good option since a car or limo service keeps vehicles in good condition with ongoing maintenance and they have to sell them off on a regular basis.
Used cars are a little trickier. There are numerous places to look, including local ads, major used car dealers and online sites devoted to finding cars. The trick is evaluating the condition of the car and determining whether you are getting a fair deal or overpaying.
There are a few things to look for when buying a used car: How old is the car? More than six years can be questionable unless the mileage is low. How old are the parts in the car? Has it been well-maintained? Have parts been replaced? Does the paint feel smooth or is it covering rust or dents? Can you get the paperwork that should come with the vehicle? Check the cars history.
Remember, you can negotiate. In fact, haggling is almost a given when you are buying a used car.
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS: 1. What are the main advantages of a new car/ used cars? 2. What are the main disadvantages of anew car/ used cars? 3. Which car will you prefer? Why?
Vocabulary Exercises
Exercise 1. Translate the sentences paying attention to the different meanings of the following words and word combinations:
the crash barrier - ,
to do kph ... /
to draw up ;
(to be on) full beam
a hairpin bend - , ()
to hit on the brakes / slam the brakes on
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to jump a red lights
the lights changed
1. It took ages for the lights to change. 2. Their car drew up in the gas station. 3. He was caught doing 90 kph in a 50 kph speed zone. 4. Hairpin bends are always signposted. 5. Seeing the boy, he hit the brakes and the car screeched to a halt. 6. I had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting (: ) two schoolgirls. 7. She slammed the brakes on as the other car cut in in front of her. 8. A taxi drew up outside my house. 9. The driver of another car said that he had jumped a red signal light. 10. The lights changed and they could drive. 11. I was fined 45$ for jumping a red light. 12. He swerved to avoid the dog and smashed into the crash barrier. 13. I drew up at the traffic lights. 14. Dip your lights. Theyre on full beam and you are blinding the poor man in front of you.
Exercise 2. Translate the dialogue and then make your own one in English.
A: ?
B: , , (maintain) .
A: ?
B: . 10 , .
A: , , (brand new) .
B: . , . .
A: , ?
B: , , , .
A: .
Exercise 3. Translate the sentences into English.
1. , . 2. , . 3. . 4. , . 5. , , . 6. / : - 8-10 . , , . 7. . 8. : , , ( , ), , , . 9. , , 4 . 2 . 10. , , . 11. : , , - -, , . 12. 3-5 100 .
Exercise 4. Match words with their meaning.
| 1. the lights changed 2. the crash barrier 1. a hairpin bend 4. full beam 8. to jump a red light 6. to do kph 9. to draw up 8. to hit/slam on the brakes | a. to drive at some speed b. strong low fence built along the side of a road or between two halves of a motorway to prevent accidents c. to pass through a traffic light that is red d. to brake quickly and suddenly e. sharp bend in road, where road turns back in opposite direction f. to stop in a vehicle g. you can see more if using it h. the traffic lights turned red or green |
Exercise 5. Read the text and fill in the missing words. Mind the forms of the verbs. Translate the article.
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Horsepower, comfort, to measure, to make, wagon, engines, to carry, models, quality, sports, to equip, cylinder, impressive, system, to buy.
Whats new for the 2006 BMW 5 series?
BMW adds a station (1) variant to the 5-Series lineup, as well as new inline six- (2) engines and an xDrive all-wheel-drive (3) . Based on the same fully-automatic, rear-biased xDrive in the X3 and X5 sport models, the AWD system is offered only on 5251 and 530i (4) . Both of those models get new (5) for 2006. The 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine(6) 218 horsepower, while the 3.0-liter engine makes 258 (7) . Station wagon models are (8) only with the larger six, and only with xDrive. The 530xiT can (9) up to 56.5 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded down.
Advantages of the 2006 BMW 5 Series: Strong and smooth engines. Superb (10) . Lush cabin materials. (11) performance
Fascinating Active Steering system Slick optional xDrive AWD
Objections to the 2006 BMW 5 Series:
Prices rise dramatically when desirable options are added
AutoSite's Advice:
Ifits Bangled styling pleases you, so will the rest of the 2006 BMW 5-Series. This is a fantastic luxury (12) sedan, and remains the benchmark against which others must be (13) , especially now with all-new six-cylinder engines and an available all-wheel-drivesystem. If you don't mind the penalty of diminished ride (14) , opt for the Sport package, which includes Active Steering and Active Roll Stabilization. Once you live with these two technologies, you'll wonder if you could ever (15) another car without them.
Grammar exercises
Exercise 1. Complete the sentences choosing the proper form of the given words. Then read the advertisements of the cars. Compare them.
2006 Volkswagen Passat
(Featuring, featured) a 2. or 3.6L engine with (fuel-stratifying, fuel-stratified) injection, the new Passat is (engineered, engineering) to be even more fun to drive. And it's got plenty of not-so-standard features. 120 of them to be precise.
2005 Toyota Corolla
2005 Toyota Corolla is among the best of the compact sedans: reliable and economical yet (refining, refined) and comfortable. The 2005 Corolla line sees the addition of a sporty new XRS model, while the entire line gets some enhancements. All 2005 Corollas feature a (restyling, restyled) front fascia and (redesigned, redesigning) tail lamps.
2005 Honda Civic Sedan
Big satisfaction in a small package. Efficient, practical, affordable, (polishing, polished) and pleasant to drive, if not downright fun, with a reputation for reliability: These are the Honda Civic's hallmarks, and nothing about the 2005 model suggests anything has (changed, changing).
Exercise 2. Discuss one of the following topics. Mind your grammar.
1. Speak about the car you want to drive. Give as many details as possible. State the most important details for you.
2. Any used car is more expensive in maintaining than a new one.
3. The first car should be a new car.
Exercise 3. Translate into English paying attention to the forms of the verb given.
to choose: 1) , .2) , . 3) , , .
to look through: 1) , . 2) , . 3) , .
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to furnish: 1) . 2) , , . 3) , .
to buy: 1) . 2) , . 3) .
LESSON V
Pre-text exercise 1. These words you should know.
malfunction to gather
expense - , in-depth - ,
Pre-text exercise 2. These notions you should learn by heart.
attendant () apprentice - ,
to pump the gas = to fill up a tank
hose nozzle
repair bay (repair shop) ( )
pressure gauge
assembly ;
checkup -
Pre-text exercise 3. Dont mix such words.
means - ,
automotive - ,
Pre-text exercise 4. Check your memory, try to guess the meanings of the following words and expressions: misunderstood aspect; scheduled replacement; technician; spare part; replacement; repair; failure; to involve.
READ AND TRANSLATE THE TEXT
Mechanic
An auto mechanic (or car mechanic in British English and motor mechanic in Australian English) is a mechanic who specializes in automobile maintenance, repair, and sometimes modification. A mechanic may be knowledgeable in working on all parts of car or may specialize either in specific area or in specific make () of a car. In repairing cars their main role is to diagnose the problem accurately and quickly. The mechanic uses both electronic means of gathering data as well as their senses. Their job may involve the repair of a specific part or the replacement of one or more parts as assemblies.
Basic vehicle maintenance is a fundamental part of a mechanics work in some countries, while in others they are only consulted when a vehicle is already showing signs of malfunction. Preventive maintenance is also a part of a mechanics job, but it is not possible in the case of vehicles that are not regularly maintained by a mechanic. One misunderstood aspect of such maintenance is scheduled replacement of various parts, which occurs before failure to avoid far more expensive damage. Because this means that parts are replaced before any problem is observed, many car owners will not understand why the expense is necessary.
With the rapid advancement in technology the mechanics job has evolved from purely mechanical to include electronic technology. Because vehicles today posses complex computer and electronic systems, mechanics need to have a broad base of knowledge. Nowadays the term auto mechanic is used less and less frequently and replaced by automotive service technician. Most automobile dealerships now provide sophisticated diagnostic computers to each technician without which they would be unable to diagnose or repair a vehicle.
A mechanic may opt to engage in other careers related to his field. Teaching of automotive trade courses is almost carried out by qualified mechanics in many countries.
There are several other trade qualifications for working on motor vehicles, including panel beater, spray painter, body builder and motorcycle mechanic. In some countries these are separate trade courses, but a qualified tradesman can change his occupation. This usually requires that they work under another tradesman in much the same way as an apprentice.
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Auto body repair involves less work with oily and greasy parts of vehicles, but involves exposure to particulate dust from sanding bodywork and toxic chemical fumes from paint and related products. Salespeople and dealers often also need to acquire an in-depth knowledge of cars and some mechanics are successful in these roles because of their knowledge.
Pit crews are aspecialized form of work undertaken by some mechanics for motor racing. This work requires high skill level, and it is highly paid.
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS: 1. What are the main qualifications for working on motor vehicles? 2. What does a job of a mechanic involve? 3. What kind of a job/a specialty do you choose? Why?
Vocabulary exercises
Exercise 1. Find
in the text the synonyms to: substitution; model of a car; improvement; harm; tuning; experienced mechanic.
English equivalents to: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Russian equivalents to: to have a car repaired, to check oil, to replace a part, to have a flat tire, to fill a tank up, self-service, to diagnose failure.
Exercise 2. Read the dialogue and then make your own.
1) Translate into Russian: At the gas station
Driver: Fill it up, please.
Attendant: What kind of gas do you need? Regular, premium or super?
Driver: Regular, please. Here is the key to the tank.
Attendant: Would you like me to check the oil for you?
Driver: Yes, please. And the tyres, please.
Attendant: Certainly, sir. Would you open the hood for me?
Driver: Sure. And the windscreen, can you clean it?
Attendant: Yes, sir. Anything else?
Driver: No, thanks a lot. How much do I owe you?
Attendant: That'll be $21.45, sir.
Driver: Here you are. Keep the change.
Attendant: Thank you. Have a good day!
Self-service Gas Station
A: Yes?
B: Ten dollars unleaded on number 6, please.
A: What pump?
B: Number 6. (After trying the pump) Excuse me, number 6 isnt working.
A: Did you lift up the nozzle hook?
B: Yes.
A: Then wait a minute. Start pumping after the dial resets to zero.
B: O.K. I see now.
2) Complete it:
Driver: Excuse me, how much does it cost to park here for one hour?
Attendant: Ten twenty. - Driver: (1)
Attendant: You can just as well leave your car outside the parking lot. And it will make much more. Safety is what you pay for. - Driver: (2)
Attendant: Sure. Would you like to have the oil changed as well? - Driver: (3)
Attendant: It will make thirty dollars all in all ( ) - Driver: (4)
A: Fine.
B: Thats a lot, isnt it?
C: No. The oil is all right. Ask someone to wash my car.
D: Let it be ten twenty Im afraid Ive got to have the batteries charged. Can you do it for me?
3) Translate:
: ?
: . - (scheduled) ?
: . , - .
: , . ?
: , .
: . .
: , .
: , . ?
: .
Exercise 3. Translate the sentences into English.
1. , . 2. . 3. , . 4. , , , , . 5. , (chassis) . 6. 2 , . 7. , : , . 8. . 9. , .
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Exercise 4. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. Being able to check the engine oil, the pressure of the tires and the overall condition of the brakes can save you money, and you wont need to rely on the skills of a mechanic to do everything. 2. If the readings on the pressure gauge are below that mentioned in an owners manual, you will need to inflate the tire, but dont forget that different amounts are applied to the front and rear tires. 3. In case there is too much air inside tire, depress the pin in the centre of the valve to let some out. 4. To check the engine oil level pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a rag, return it to the full extent, pull it out again and check that the oil mark is between the upper and lower limits on the dipstick. 5. Oil is usually at every service inspection of a car, depending on the fact as often the car is used it can be once a year or at maximum of 10,000 miles. 6. If it takes more than a few clicks before it will hold the car on the hill the cable or rear calipers/drums need by an authorized service centre. 7. Pump the brake until the pressure builds up and the pedal becomes rigid.
Exercise 5. Match the words from first and second columns to describe common car maintenance tasks.
Common car maintenance
Car maintenance means to inspect or test the condition of subsystems and service or replace parts and fluids. Regular maintenance is critical to ensure the safety, reliability, comfort and longevity of a car. The actual schedule of car maintenance varies depending on the year/make/model of a car and its driving conditions and driver behavior. Common car maintenance tasks include:
| replace check flush refill inspect test clean top up tighten lubricate | the engine oil fuel filters tire balancing and rotation windshield wipers brake fluid locks all lights and horns brake pads tires for pressure and wear wheel alignment battery fluid latches transmission fluid spark plugs rubber boots air filter power steering fluid electronics (ABS) battery terminals nuts / bolts hinges timing belt engine coolant windshield washer fluid |
Grammar exercises
Exercise 1. Complete the sentences with the given words.
1. A dead battery was (temporarily, a jump start, resolved). 2. Some common
causes of (include, stalling, a partial breakdown, overtaking, or, brake failure). 3. Eventual repair (includes, rough idle, or poor shock absorption, grinding brakes). 4. A vehicle breakdown is (depending on, to be towed to, the vehicle, the mechanical failure of a vehicle, the nature of the problem, may need, an automobile repair shop). 5. A total breakdown is when (a sort distance, can not, immobile and, becomes, the car, be driven). 6. Car dealership is (authorized, to perform warranty, a shop, and recall repairs, by the manufacturers and distributors). 7. Automobile repair shop can be (like muffler shop, tire shop, specialty shops, transmission specialists, body shop, and automobile electrification shop).
Exercise 2. Analyze the sentences and then translate them.
1. Today embedded software takes care of electronics by checking thousands of sensor signals compensating for worn out spark plugs, clogged filters, etc. 2. The so-called limp-home function lets you drive on limited power when your engine is in trouble. 3. When the engine sounds rough or a blowing sound is heard, check whether exhaust has a leak. 4. The brake pedal feels spongy and braking lacks sharpness if there is the air in the system. 5. If the shock absorbers are working the corner of a car pushed by you for checking will quickly settle into its normal position.
Exercise 3. Look through the following international words and so-called false friends in order not to make a mistake.
bike ; , (motor bike); : , (bicycle);
cabin (., ; - compartment;
cistern or reservoir . ; :
tank . .: gas tank =
clearance . , ; ; : . ,
motorist , ; : (motor-mechanic)
operator -. (: ); ,
revolution , ( , )
shop ; : . .: repair shop =
trace ; : p (route)
Exercise 4. Analyze noun+noun construction and then translate it.
Wheel: wheel brace, spare wheel, wheel alignment, twin wheels, crown wheel, wheel chock, driving wheel, wheel clamp, wheel alignment angle, test wheel, wheel brake cylinder, wheel brake drum, wheel cover.
Tire: flat tire, all-weather tire, heavy-duty tire, overinflated tire, self-sealing tire, tubed tire, lined tire, tire blowout, tire capacity, tire carcass, tire cover, tire deflation, tire fitting, tire inner tube, tire locking ring, tire repair shop.
Car: air car, accumulator car, custom-made car, diesel-engined car, domestic car, front-driven car, passenger car, racing car, sports car, car accident, car assembly plant, car body, car carrier, car crash, car dealer, car handling, car rental firm, car suspension.
LESSON VI
Pre-text exercise 1. These words you should know.
permit gross hazardous -
Pre-text exercise 2. These notions you should learn by heart.
drivers license trucker -
Pre-text exercise 3. Dont mix such words.
state , to state - ;
READ AND TRANSLATE THE TEXT
Drivers License
A drivers license is an official document which states that a person may operate a motorized vehicle, such as a motorcycle, car, truck or a bus. Drivers licenses go by several different names. Drivers licence is used in Canada, while driver license is the official name in the United States. The form driver licence is found in New Zealand and Australia. Driving licence is used in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Malta and in European Union. Nowadays we can find the term drivers license in most articles and books.
Drivers who drive commercially, especially truckers and taxi drivers, are required to have special licenses such as Chauffeur Permits (for taxicab drivers), CDL (for truckers), PCV from a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (to drive a vehicle with more than eight passenger seats) and LGV from a Large Goods Vehicle (to drive gross or hazardous material).
And there is a special license for international use that is an authorized translation of a drivers home license into many languages. This document is called the International Driving Permit (IDP) or the International Drivers License.
Speak in your group: Do you drive?
| If yes: 1. Do you often drive? 2. Do you like driving? 3. How long have you been driving? 4. Do you have a valid drivers license? 5. Do you travel by a car a lot? Why? 6. When and where was your last trip? Tell us about. 7. Who maintains your car? | If no: 1. Would you like to drive? Why? 2. Do you plan to get a drivers license? When? 3. What is your favourite make of a car? 4. Have you ever tried to drive? Tell about your experience? |
Vocabulary Exercises
Exercise 1. Find the following words:
English equivalents to: , / , 50 /, , , , / , .
Russian equivalents to: to drive with casual ease, hands resting lightly on the wheel, to honk at regular intervals, daylight-hours-only license, learners permit, suburban road, car pool, a set of car keys.
Exercise 2. Translate the sentences paying attention to the different meanings of the phrasal verb to pull.
to pull away , ( . .)
to pull in ( - )
to pull into somewhere ( )
to pull out ( - ),
to pull over ;
to pull up ()
1. They pull up the driver for speeding. 2. I pulled up at the traffic lights. 3. We'd better pull in to at the next gas station for some petrol. 4. She checked her rear view mirror and pulled away. 5. The driver pulled the bus up only just in time to avoid hitting the child. 6. Pull into the next petrol station and Ill ask where the bank is. 7. We pulled over to take some pictures of this monument. 8. He pulled in so that ambulance could pass. 9. The leader is pulling away now, and is sure to win. 10. Never pull out into heavy traffic without due care and attention. 11. The car was making a funny noise so I pulled over, and looked under the bonnet.
Exercise 3. Translate the sentences into English.
1. . 2. . 3. ( ) - . 4. , , , . 5. , , . 6. (, ), () . 7. , . 8. , , , , . 9. , -.
Exercise 4. Match words with their meaning.
| 1. to pull up 2. to pull out 3. to pull into somewhere 4. to pull away 5. to pull over 6. to pull in | a.to start driving, having previously stopped (e.g. at traffic lights) or having previously been parked b.to stop in avehicle c.to move to the sideof the road in order to let another car pass d.to join the traffic, having previously stopped e.to leavethe road in order to stop somewhere g.to stop at he side of the road |
Exercise 5. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. Harm from road traffic crashes is greater than that one formed by all other transportation modes (air, sea, space, off-terrain, etc.) combined. 2. The road sign Reduce speed now means to start going slowlier. 3. No through road for motor vehicle tells that there is no way out at the other end of this road for cars.
Exercise 6. Read the following text and choose the best variant for the blanks.
He pulled 1) at the traffic lights and a horde () of children crowded round his car trying to scrub off yesterdays dirt from his windscreen. He shooed them away (, ). His mind was running at a hundred miles an hour. What was he going to say?
The minute the policeman had pulled him 2) he knew he was in trouble. The policeman had been sitting at the side of the road and he hadnt seen him. The policeman had walked over to his car and as he wound down his window the night air had hit him. You realise you were 3) ? he said. I clocked you doing 75. He found it difficult to talk. He had a very busy and difficult day at the office and he was now on his way home. He 4) up outside his home. He turned off the engine, got 5) the car and slowly walked towards his flats door.
| A | up | B | out | C | into | D | away | |
| A | over | B | in | C | along | D | away | |
| A | exceeding | B | crawling | C | dashing | D | speeding | |
| A | parked | B | stopped | C | crawled | D | drew | |
| A | down | B | off | C | out of | D | away |
to wind down -
Exercise 7. Agree or disagree with the following statements. Give your reasons.
| For agreement use: I entirely agree. I think it is so. I'm with you here. As far as I know it's true. | For disagreement use: I don't really agree. I don't think so. I think you are mistaken here. As far as I know that's not right. |
1. Men are reckless () drivers mostly.
2. The more you drive, the better you drive.
3. The driving age should be 16 all over the world.
4. You don't need a car if you live in a big city.
5. Men don't like when women drive. Women are usually afraid of driving.
6. Politeness is the key to safe driving.
7. Speeding is the main reason for car accidents.
Exercise 8. Analyze the sentence and then translate it.
1. One method is to post special safety signage on the most dangerous highways. 2. Road traffic safety aims to reduce harm (deaths, injures and property damage) resulting from crashes of road vehicles. 3. Speed is a key goal of modern road design, but impact speed affects the severity of injury to both occupants and pedestrians. 4. Most road signs are retro-reflective to reflect light from vehicle headlights back to the drivers eyes. 5. Contributing factors to highway crashes may be related to the driver (such as driver error, illness or fatigue), vehicle (brake, steering or throttle failures) or the road itself (lack of sight distance, poor roadside clear zone, etc.). 6. Better motorways are banked on curves in order to reduce the need for tire-traction and increase stability of the vehicles. 7. Poor pavement construction can lead to safety problem. 8. Better roads, better sight lines, fewer bends and blind corners, less traffic, better lighting, better visibility, better weather conditions all these that are supposed to make for greater safety, in fact, make for greater dangerbecause every nonrestrictive safety measure is treated by the drivers as an opportunity for more speeding.
Comprehension reading
Exercise 1. Read the articles using a dictionary and write an annotation.
Text A. Queensland Transport Chooses Unisys Facial Imaging Solution for Australia's First Biometric Drivers License
Queensland Transport has selected Unisys Australia to provide facial image processing technology and services for Queensland's new digital driver license. The digital license is designed to significantly improve security for over three million of the state's license holders, streamline administration of the licensing system, and reduce identity fraud. Under the five-year contract, Unisys will provide facial recognition software, facial image capture devices, case management software, and associated services. The smartcard licenses will be introduced in a rolling program as existing laminated licenses expire and are renewed. As Queensland driver licenses are valid for up to five years, it will take approximately five years for digital licenses to be rolled out to all license holders.
"We have used the laminated license design in Queensland for over 20 years. The new digital license will deliver a more secure form of driver license documentation for Queenslanders as it is harder to forge or alter. As a result it will help reduce the risk of identity theft to Queensland license holders and give them greater confidence that their personal license information is being kept secure. It will also enable Queensland Transport to deliver services in a more convenient manner as license holders will be able to use a card reader or the Queensland Transport website to view, update, and transact on their license and registration themselves," said Land, Transport and Safety Executive Director, Judy Oswin.
Text B. No Pass No Drive Law to begin Statewide on August 1, 2007
The No Pass / No Drive Law is now in effect. The law states that all students ages 16 or 17 can be denied a drivers license or have a license revoked for academic deficiency. The statute only affects drivers who obtain a permit or license after August 1, 2007. A student is considered academically deficient when he or she has not passed at least four courses or the equivalent of four courses in the previous semester, has accumulated 9 or more unexcused absences, or has dropped out of school. When applying for a permit at the circuit clerks office, students will be required to present a School Compliance Verification Form obtained from the student's school district of residence. If a student becomes academically deficient, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be notified by the school, and that students license will then be revoked. Students may reapply for a license once compliance is met. The original No Pass / No Drive Law (HB-43) was enacted in 1990. In 2003, the law was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. In 2007, a new version was created that expanded the application of the measure statewide and to all students. The new No Pass / No Drive Law will affect students in public and private schools as well as students being schooled at home.
LESSON VII
Pre-text exercise 1. These words you should know.
to adopt -
Pre-text exercise 2. These notions you should learn by heart.
traffic flow RHD -
LHD - ; " " (; , )
READ AND TRANSLATE THE TEXT
